The Sustainable Neighborhoods Program is a City certification program that empowers residents to come together as "neighborhoods" and take action on shared sustainability goals. The program channels resident group projects into five broad goal categories and associated target areas. Participating neighborhoods use these goal areas to guide their selection of workshop topics and neighborhood initiatives. The goal categories are energy, air, water, land, and people.

• Energy: projects that promote energy efficiency and encourage the use of renewable energy sources. 
• Air: projects that reduce emissions generated in the neighborhood and improve both outdoor and indoor air quality.
• Water: projects that conserve water resources and improve water quality.
• Land: projects that encourage stewardship and conservation of ecosystems and resources.
• People: projects that enhance the social vitality of the neighborhood by encouraging community interaction, partnerships, and outreach programs.

See the Goals, Target Areas, and Project Ideas brochure to get a sense for specific projects in each category.

Because Edgewater does not have official neighborhoods, residents can apply as representatives of the City quadrant they live in:

Northwest: west of Harlan St. and north of 24th Ave. 

Southwest: west of Harlan St. and south of 24th Ave.

Northeast: east of Harlan and north of 24th Ave.

Southeast: east of Harlan and south of 24th Ave.

Applications are reviewed by a committee and evaluated based on the strength and completeness of responses. For the 2026 application cycle, one application will be approved per City quadrant. Applications are due September 8, 2026.

Participating groups are resident-driven, with the City serving as a liaison between agencies while providing structure, support, and capacity to help bring ideas to life. Projects can vary widely to reflect each neighborhood's interest and needs, including:

• Workshops and educational events
• Community Events and outreach
• Hands-on sustainability initiatives

Through their efforts, participating groups earn program credits and may receive designation as either: 

• Participating Sustainable Neighborhood, or
• Outstanding Sustainable Neighborhood

In addition to advancing the City's Sustainability Plan and goals, the program helps strengthen community connections and may offer benefits such as:

• City Council recognition
• Neighborhood signage
• Educational opportunities

Find more program information at sustainableneighborhoodnetwork.org/edgewater

If you have questions or would like to join in the planning efforts underway in your neighborhood, email the City Sustainability Coordinator: sshahbaz@edgewaterco.com